quintessential

adjective

ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was living the quintessential Los Angeles dream off the clock until his performance on the field got wrapped up in an absolute nightmare. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2026 The Greenhouse Inn is the quintessential couple’s cottage, heavy on the English country vibe. — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026 But honestly, fall is a great season here in New England - the quintessential time to be in this area. — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 During its run, the label was home to Hov, along with Cam’Ron, Kanye West, Juelz Santana, and many other key figures of the rap game, and released several quintessential hip-hop records. — Alex Gonzalez, VIBE.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
Adjective
  • Orlando Bloom’s first big automotive splurge was a classic Porsche—a black 911S from 1973.
    — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Pair them with a chunky sweater and sneakers, or a classic button-down shirt and heeled booties this season.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Jesse Plemons is superb as his mysterious Kenny becomes a key player in all this, and there is also exemplary work from Emma D’Arcy as Lina, Digger’s ever-faithful assistant, and Sophie Wilde who watches over the action with a keen eye.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Elite 16 award is the SIAC’s highest academic achievement honor and is presented to student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary performance in athletics and the classroom.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • The outdoor second-floor deck is perfect for taking a break between museums—there's a table with complimentary coffee, fresh fruit, water, and seltzer available all day.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Hotels, as well as airports, are perfect places to test this technology because their electricity usage follows quite predictable patterns.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Prada presented the skirt as a vocabulary, demonstrating the infinite possibilities that can emerge from an archetypal garment.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Jones notes that actual letters found on Ball after his arrest, written to sustain the rebellion’s spirit, appeal to archetypal figures of the working land, including ploughmen like the one Garfield plays.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • In the final room, the Salotto, the story seemed to end without a definitive conclusion.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than treating negative reactions as a definitive failure, founders can use them to identify what resonates, uncover unmet needs and determine which assumptions need to change.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Longbridge is an excellent option, especially for those looking to save money.
    — Liz Knueven,Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Pricing for the conversion starts at 100,000 euros, or roughly $113,670, but does not include the donor 944, which runs around $60,000 in excellent condition, according to Hagerty.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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